INFORMATIONHANDBOOK 2020

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BOGONG

Welcome to Beechworth Secondary College. We are proud to lead this progressive and modern college through an exciting period of redevelopment and growth. As your local school, we believe that our college reflects the diverse and colourful communities of Beechworth, Yackandandah and surrounds and we are keen to recognise our history.  We have a passionate staff, many of whom live within this community and who understand the situation of the families here, whether rural or in towns.

We believe in strong values which challenge our learners to grow and to develop holistically. We are proud to offer a broad range of high achieving VCE subjects, a strong VCAL program and VET opportunities which will position your child for a strong pathway post secondary education.

Enrolments here are commencing a journey which will lead to the skills, knowledge and relationships which will support your child throughout their life.

Patricia Broom - College Principal

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

WELCOME

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT

Beechworth Secondary College acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which our school is located and where we meet and learn. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Beechworth Secondary College is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.

Beechworth Secondary College has a zero tolerance of Child Abuse. Child safety encompasses matters related to the protection of all children and young people from child abuse, managing the risk of child abuse, providing support to a child at risk of child abuse, and responding to incidents or allegations of child abuse. Beechworth Secondary College supports and respects children and young people with a disability, and people of diverse cultures. Child Safe Standards is legislation introduced by the Victorian Government which took effect from January 2017 and ensures organisations that deal with children have appropriate and consistent measures in place to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse. The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all organisations that provide services to children including Victorian schools. The aim of the Standards is to ensure organisations are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Relevant information for parents and students can be found on our website or on COMPASS. Further information about Protect can be obtained from the College. The Child Safety Officer at Beechworth Secondary College is Patricia Broom, Principal.

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Beechworth Secondary College is committed to developing engaged, compassionate and thoughtful global citizens aspiring to achieve the best they can in everything they do, celebrating diversity and demonstrating integrity

Beechworth Secondary College is a welcoming place where all students have the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Students and teachers work collaboratively in an environment of respect, empathy and challenge and aim for continual growth and improvement.

OUR VISION

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OUR VALUES

ASPIRE - We set high expectations for ourselves and others, value hard work, effort and a commitment to learning

RESPECT - We build respectful relationships, we have respect for self, value diversity and care for the environment

CONTRIBUTE - We strengthen the community by participating in and contributing to the school and wider community

ASPIRE - ACHIEVEMENT Strive to achieve your personal best, make an effort, know what is expected of you and aim higherTake pride in the quality of the work you presentKnow what you can already do and what you are ready to learn next

RESPECT - READINESS TO LEARNArrive on time to academic classes with the correct textbook (where appropriate), writing book, computer, pencil case and diary or to Physical Education in correct, full PE UniformArrive to class having completed required homework, preliminary tasks, pre-reading, pre-watching Arriving with self-regulated behaviours conducive to learning - calm, focussed, with a growth mindset

CONTRIBUTE - LEARNING BEHAVIOURSDemonstrate behaviours that improve their own learning - concentration, cooperation, participation Demonstrate behaviours that encourage and improve the learning of others Demonstrate behaviours that promote safety and respect for the learning environment

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OUR COLLEGE CAPTAINS & HOUSE CAPTAINS

KEELEY OLIVIA INDIGO OWENMORRISON COLEMAN WALKER STELLING CHRISTESEN

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MINI SCHOOLS

We have 3 Mini-Schools for student management and learning support at the College. Junior Mini School Years 7 & 8Middle Mini School Years 9 & 10Senior Mini School Years 11 & 12

Each Mini School has an Engagement & Wellbeing Leader and a Learning Leader.

Year 7 & 8 Mini SchoolLeaders support all Year 7 students, along with the core instructional team of teachers, to provide consistent care and connection to the school. We minimise the number of teachers our Year 7 work with by having the core instructional team teach across 2 subjects at Year 7.  Teachers use consistent strategies that encourage high expectations, positive behaviour and readiness to learn in all students. Year 7 students have access to their own Learning Hub, which includes a Year 7 only locker bay, Year 7 classrooms where they are based for several subjects, the staff room and facilities. Students to feel confident in familiar surroundings and gradually work towards independence across the whole campus.

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LEARNING AREAS

We run a wide variety of programs for students that link with the Victorian Curriculum 7-10 and a wide range of VCE, VCAL and VET options.

Year 7 - 10• English • Humanities - History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship• Maths • Science• Health and Careers• Physical Education• Outdoor Education• The Arts - Visual Arts, Visual Communication Design, Drama, Music• Technologies - Materials Technology, Digital Technology, Food Technology• Languages - Indonesian

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We strive to provide a rich and engaging learning environment that supports young learners as they build on the great skills developed in primary school. Teachers use a range of diagnostic assessments early in the school year to assist in determining the explicit learning needs of each student

Assessments and Reporting:

• Progress reports 6 week cycle• End of Semester reports - July and December• Termly Teacher conferences

Progress reports occur every 6 weeks, with students being assessed in terms of Achievement, Readiness to Learn and Learning Behaviours. At the end of each semester, a more detailed report is provided which includes students achievement against the Victorian Curriculum standards. All reports are accessed through Compass and can be downloaded and saved or printed.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

• 4 periods per day, 72 minute periods• 7 Core subjects, 2 electives @ Year 9 and 10 level• 1 enrichment elective - All year levels

TIMETABLE

The Junior School Curriculum consists of core subjects, plus a rotation of specialist subjects. The core subjects are English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Physical Education, Health and Careers and Indonesian with a rotation through The Arts (Performance and Visual), and Technologies (Design & Technologies and Digital Technologies). The Enrichment elective runs across year levels for one session each week, offering students an opportunity to pursue an area of passion.

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English: 3 periods per weekHumanities: 2 periods per week

Students undertake all components of the Humanities Curriculum:• History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship and Economics.

Our College is committed to working with all students to develop their literacy and English skills, so that they can communicate more effectively in all aspects of their lives. Our school wide focus is on improving students' writing and we tackle this in English classes as well as in Humanities and wider curriculum. We believe all students can learn and grow, and it is our job to help them develop and improve these skills. We use a range of strategies to improve writing stamina, writing structure and vocabulary. You can support your child in their writing development by asking to read what they are writing at school in any of their classes, having conversations about their writing, including what they find tricky, and by encouraging and supporting them to read as much and as often as possible.

ENGLISH & HUMANITIES

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MATHEMATICSMathematics: 3 periods per week

Developing strong Numeracy skills in Mathematics is critical for all our students and our mathematics teachers use a range of strategies to engage students no matter their point of need.

• Online programs such as Essential Assessment accessed

• Education Perfect used to support class based instruction and practical learning activities

• Links to real world applications of mathematics and connections to other subject areas

• Opportunities to participate in national mathematics competitions and challenges

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SCIENCEScience: 2 periods per week

The Sciences support our students to regularly engage in analytical and scientific thinking and problem solving.

• New Science classroom laboratories ready for 2021.

• A focus on both the applied and theoretical components.

• Students will participate in a range of STEM activities within the new building under the guidance of trained and experienced Science teachers

• Access to outreach Science Centres and Programs

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OUTDOOR EDUCATIONOutdoor Education:

• Elective for students in Year 10

This very popular elective takes our students on some of the experiences of a lifetime. Mountain Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Indoor Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Sailing are all opportunities on offer to the adventurous team that set forth into the senior school.  Our location is ideal for this subject.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPhysical Education: 2 periods per week

• Compulsory uniform 

• PE is a compulsory subject for all students from year 7-10. 

• Students will learn the rules and skills of a wide variety of sports. Students are required to wear the school PE uniform for each lesson, and highly encouraged to bring a drink bottle also.

• SunSmart school - students are also expected to wear their broad brimmed hats for class in terms 1 and 4.

• Community gymnasium onsite, newly refurbished Basketball courts

• Extensive grounds and playing fields

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THE ARTSThe Arts: 2 periods per week

We have a thriving Arts and Technologies department, staffed by a team of passionate, industry experienced teachers.

• Classes in Art, Visual Communication, Music, Drama, Materials Technology, Food Studies and Digital Technologies from Year 7-10

• Range of options in the VCE and VET programs  in the senior years

• Lunch time and after school activities in the A Block and Music Hub

• Digi Club each lunchtime for robotics and tech fans

• Robotics Competitions across schools

• Drama Performances & School Production written by students

• Solar Car challenge

• Art club running weekly

TECHNOLOGIESSTEM Robotics and Emerging Technologies: VEX Robotics, Augmented Reality, 3D Printing and modelling, Laser Cutter, CNC Router. 

This equipment is accessed within the Widening Worlds lunchtime workshops most days and across the Design Technology and Engineering classes.  Students learn the basics of coding robots in Year 7 by using scratch and other block based coding languages

• Year 8 students have the opportunity to join the VEX robotics elective and use the VEX IQ kits (Lego mind-storms alternative) 

• Year 9 students can also select an elective to access VEX EDR• Students have access to the 'Widening Worlds Workshop' at lunch time to work

on their robot or any other project:• BSC attends the local VEX scrimmages and National championships.

Scrimmages will also be held at BSC• Year 10 Students have access to Systems Engineering in which students take

the skills used with the robotic kits and work on designing a robot from the ground up. 

• Skills practiced can enhance their studies in Solar Car elective, VET Engineering, Design Technology and related science and design programs.

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LANGUAGESIndonesian : 2 periods per week 

Indonesian is our core language. This is offered through to VCE by our experienced language teachers.Some students with particular skills or background access other languages via the VSL - Victorian School of Languages.

• All Year 7 & 8 students  study Indonesian

• Studying a language in VCE gives additional points to their ATAR

• VCE students who achieve the required grades in English, Maths and a language  receive a Victorian Baccalaureate

• Students develop their language skills in the four areas of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing as well as develop their knowledge of a different culture 

• Trip to Indonesia every two years (Until 2020)

Japanese: Annual visit by students and staff from our sister school in Japan, Nesar Tokyo, Tokorozawa Nishi High School.

MUSIC

Alex O’Connor leads our Music Program. He is a passionate and experienced music teacher and skilled musician. 

• All year 7 & 8 students will be introduced to classroom music.• Years 9 to 12 have the option to elect to study music• All students may participate in the Instrumental Music Program.• New music rooms for 2021• VET Music Industry course• Bands and ensembles• School Production• Instrument hire options• Opportunities for public performances

Students may learn a contemporary or concert instrument and perform as part of a Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble or Vocal Group. Students can access a full range of instruments and digital technologies for creating, mixing and producing original music.

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MONTESSORI ADOLESCENT PROGRAM(MAP)The Montessori Adolescent Program (MAP)

• An optional secondary education for Year 7-9 alongside the mainstream program at the College.

• Combined class of 7, 8 & 9 students.• Specialist trained MAP teachers and assistant• Orientation and observations required prior to offer of place• Additional fees for the Montessori Adolescent Program to cover costs of

additional staff support, resources and activities.• MAP has a strong environmental and sustainability ethos and students regularly

escape to the great outdoors as their classroom.

If you are interested in this program for 2021, please contact the College Principal, Patricia Broom. MAP education emphasises experiential learning that connects the head and the hands, with strong links to life experiences and real world problem solving. The syllabus includes Self Expression (creative and physical), Maths, Language Arts (English and a foreign language), Occupations (Science and real work), Humanities (History, Geography, Economics) and Micro-Economy. The areas of study often overlap and integrate with each in the way real-life blurs the boundaries between disciplines.

VCE/VET/VCALThere are two main pathways students can take through their senior years at Beechworth Secondary College;

• VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) or• VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), as well as a range of VET

certificates (Vocational Education and Training).• Senior Mini-School is responsible for all programs relating to Years 11 and 12. 

The Senior Mini School  includes:• Student Engagement Leader• Student Learning Leader • Pathways/Careers coordinator • VET/VCAL Coordinator. • Small class sizes in VCE • Access to wellbeing supports• Senior Study room• Access to online study program- Edrolo

The Senior Mini School Leaders prepare and support students throughout their VCE or VCAL program to ensure they have a positive transition into further education or employment. Programs are tailored to best support each student in working towards their pathway goals. Students are strongly encouraged to be involved in all aspects of school life and to maintain a healthy balance of school, study, part-time work, sport and leisure activities.

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SPORT

• Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country house carnivals• Ovens and Mitta District sport teams

Beechworth Secondary College is a long standing and successful member of the School Sport Victoria competition. Students may also be involved in sport leadership roles including house captaincy, umpiring, scoring, team and event management.

• All students take part in three all school house carnivals each year in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics where successful students are then eligible to compete at district, region and then state level. 

• The college competes in the Ovens and Mitta District sport group in major carnivals for Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics

• Term sport inter-school competitions cover Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Cricket, AFL, Soccer, Netball, Badminton, European Handball, Basketball, Table Tennis, Golf, Lawn Bowls and Touch Rugby. 

• Students may also be involved in sport leadership roles including house captaincy, umpiring, scoring, team and event management.

• In a smaller school, if you wish to play, you will get a place!

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LEARNING SUPPORT AND INCLUSIONLearning support staff:

• Ash Lawry (Engagement Leader)• Joanne Morrison (Student Program Support)• Merri Eaton• Kyran Ellis• Kellie Jones

Learning Support is in place across the College to ensure that every student achieves success with their education and experiences an inclusive school environment.

• Learning Support Staff attend classes and are available during breaks.• Staff are trained QuickSmart facilitators providing additional support through

timetabled literacy intervention sessions.• Regular Student Support Group meetings (SSG) are held for students in need

of assistance to ensure parents and teachers are kept informed of the individual requirements.

• Learning Support Coordinator works closely with the primary schools to ensure a supported transition is in place.

• A supported Transition program available for individuals.

YEAR 7 CAMP - OUTDOOR SCHOOL, BOGONGOur Year 7 Transition start up camp is a fantastic opportunity that is only open to 3 schools in the Alpine district. They start their journey at BSC with a 5 day, subsidised camp at the excellent DET Bogong Outdoor School, near Falls Creek. This program has a distinct focus on developing students awareness and management of themselves and their capacity to make responsible decisions, work and learning more effectively. The activities that students are involved in are set to challenge and extend students for optimal learning. Activities take place both within the Bogong Village environs and the Bogong High Plains also enabling students to develop a knowledge and understanding of the alpine and sub-alpine environment. The overnight campout component involves students being in a temporary community environment, developing the skills to be living in an independent way. During the week they will enjoy the beautiful High Plains, great food, dormitory accommodation and rock climbing, canoeing, raft building, rogaining and the environmental and sustainability programs and wildlife experiences onsite. These are run by highly trained DET Outdoor Ed teachers. Please take the time to review their website. By spending time with the whole year 7 group, and our school staff, their move into secondary college will be exciting and personally rewarding and supportive. The Bogong School also supplies much of the specialist equipment and clothing, for those who do not have the appropriate hiking gear. This program leads the students into the more extensive Future Makers program run for all Year 9.

h#p://www.outdoorschool.vic.edu.au

WELLBEINGWellbeing Staff:

• Ash Lawry (Wellbeing Leader)• Mel Ivone (Student Wellbeing Support)• Sarah Williams (Adolescent Health Nurse)

Programs:• Weekly breakfast club• Individual wellbeing appointments• Headspace onsite appointments• Whole school wellbeing awareness activities

We have a holistic approach to Student Wellbeing at the college, with our values of Aspire, Respect and Contribute being central to our program. These core school values guide our work as we aim to be our best selves in a supportive, compassionate and stimulating educational environment. Our approach to Student Wellbeing and Engagement is multi-layered and includes classroom based and school wide programs and services. Students in all year levels are supported by a Home Group teacher on a daily basis who is also a core instructional teacher. The Home Group Teacher is the main contact person for the family to build relationships with our school, which is supported by the Mini School Leaders.The Assistant Principal has overall responsibility for Student Wellbeing and Engagement and leads the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program that includes school policies relating to anti-bullying and positive mental health.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The Student Representative Council is elected by their peers to represent all students in the school.

The SRC works with the College School Council, SRC Teacher Leader and the Principal Team to drive through initiatives and goals of the students. They create strong ties with the community by participating in community events, fundraising and organising activities.

Students develop leadership and organisational skills through representing the voices of the wider student body. They are ambassadors and role models. They take part in the decision making of the school by being active members of committees.

LIBRARYLibrary staff: Andrea and Kellie

New Library resource space in 2021!

Our school library is a vibrant, safe and friendly place, a hub of resources and support for students.

• We love books and sharing knowledge in the library resource space and encourage our students to experience the same.

• Students have a say in the books that we order, along with purchases of high interest material to inspire even the most reluctant reader.

• Magazines are purchased to suit the interests of students, including Mountain Biking, Fishing, Cooking and Fashion.

• Students  participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge each year.• Range of games, cards, jigsaws and Lego that the students can use at recess

and lunchtimes.  Cricket sets, soccer and basketballs are all loaned from the library.

• Library  troubleshoots any school laptop problems or change forgotten passwords. 

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ICTInformation Technology Learning Specialist: Alex O’Connor

We believe technology has an important place in education and have developed our infrastructure to support teachers and learners to access technologies in the classroom.• New IT room for 2021

• The recommended Bring Your Own Device BYOD laptop can be ordered and supplied through the college and will be set up by the college IT support services with the EduStar software and college network facilities.

• Students  access  wi-fi throughout the entire college and are able to arrange for their devices to be connected to the school network and internet through the IT Helpdesk in the Library.

Compass Learning Management System provides families with access to information about their children’s learning, attendance, reports, email access to teachers, events and a newsfeed. • Parents and students will be able to log in from anywhere with internet

access and email teachers, access learning resources and coursework, check attendance and access school email and notices.

• Through COMPASS, continuous online reporting is in place for parent and student access. Parents can review student learning progress and access comments on work submitted and check if due work is up to date.

OUR BUILDING PROGRAM

Basketball and Tennis Courts - Building program• The basketball courts will be completely redeveloped by 2021 with fencing,

synthetic surface and an additional half court.

• Tennis courts will be resurfaced and marked by 2021

• The sports area will have undercover seating and landscaped surrounds

Gymnasium• The Community Recreation Centre is a jointly owned stadium onsite with

Beechworth having exclusive access during the day. Local community sports groups use this outside of school hours.

The third and final stage of our building program has all designs completed and ready to begin when funding is approved. This will have our new Drama, Music, Food and canteen spaces. We look forward to announcing the beginning of this build.

The $9.36 million, second stage of our major works - building program is in progress, with the building due for completion ready for the 2021 school year. This will be an outstanding facility with Science laboratories, an IT classroom, Library resource centre, staff room, 2 general classrooms.  It will be a learning centre for students from all year levels to access.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Student Leadership, SRC, Peer Support, Captaincy• Snow sports program and Equestrian Team and Outdoor Education • Cybersmart, Mental Health Awareness, Arts connections, Community Art Projects

and Community Service• Sport: Interschool, Regional and State • Swimming and Athletics Carnivals• Access to a range of welfare and healthcare professionals as needed, including a

Adolescent Health Nurse, Counsellors and Psychologists, Wellbeing Coordinator, Youth Services 

• ANZAC Memorial Service • Instrumental Music • Music Performance Evenings• Drama performances • Indonesian Travel Language experience• Camps - Alpine School • VET classes• Annual Presentation Evening • Year 12 Graduation Evening • Celebration Day and Graduation Dinner • Year 10 Formal • Driver Education (Year 10,11 & 12) • Careers Info Day - Melbourne• City Experience (Year 9) • National Competitions: (Science, Mathematics, English, Languages, Media, Art) • Melbourne Uni - Kwong Lee Dow • Indigenous group - Marrung• Future Makers• Alpine School • VLN - Virtual Learning Network• Eisteddfod - Music• Solar Car Challenge • Emerging Sciences • Science Competition• Distance Education • Community Art exhibitions, prizes and scholarships• Creative and Performing Arts presentations

TRANSITION INFORMATIONOur Transition Program is designed to assist students to orientate themselves within the College and answer any questions they may have about secondary school. We include Year 5 students from our local Primary Schools to ease transition to secondary school. Students who may additional support to move onto secondary will be given additional opportunities to familiarise themselves with the school and its facilities.

• Grade 6 students are given the opportunity to meet some of their future classmates and develop early friendships that they carry over to the following year.

• We include Year 5 students from our local Primary Schools to ease transition to secondary school. Students who may need additional support to move onto secondary will be given further opportunities to familiarise themselves with the school and its facilities.

• Transition provides staff with the opportunity to meet and get to know students and identify any educational, social or emotional needs  

• Students from the local primary schools visit the College and undertake supported classroom activities and experience real life scenarios for secondary college, such as reading timetables and using lockers.

• A close connection with the Primary schools is maintained and the  Year 6 teachers work with our teacher to assist their move.

• During the transition program students will explore the Science Laboratories, Wood Technologies Workshops, Art Studios and Sports Gymnasium.

The Transition Program dates will be released once the COVID-19 protocols for schools are confirmed.